Indoor Sports Halls with Cricket Provision [TS3]

ecb.co.uk 01 Methodology

ECB selected a panel of consultants experienced in the design and testing of cricket facilities, or their component parts. The panel comprised;

Bruce Cruse Alastair Cox Rupert Lodge ECB Facilities and Funding Manager Labosport Ltd Max Fordham LLP Develops and administers grass roots Independent test laboratory specialising Mechanical and Electrical Designers of designs and programmes within ECB’s remit in the testing of sports surfaces. Member multipurpose sports halls with cricket and its capital expenditure. of British and European Standardisation provision and cricket specific centres of Committees responsible for standards for excellence and design contributor to Sport Peter L K Dury sports surfaces. England’s Optimum Sports Hall ECB NTP Consultant Former County Playing Fields Officer Andrew Mytom Kevin Ibson and Troy Heptinstall Nottinghamshire County Council, involved in David Morley Architects Continental Sports Ltd the provision of cricket facilities for over 40 Designers of multipurpose sports halls and Leading UK manufacturer, supplier and year and is the innovator and developer of a centres of excellence for cricket installer of sports equipment, changing room number of NTP systems furniture and sports flooring

Current guidelines published by Sport England and the ECB were reviewed, separated into subject headings, and categorised by the following criteria:

• No ECB standard • ECB standard consistent with Sport England guidelines • Conflicting standards

Each item was discussed by the panel and the way forwards agreed.

The England and Wales Cricket Board are charged with implementing a strategy across all forms and levels of the game.

Central to this is the provision of high quality A number of issues need to be considered There are many detailed aspects that need locally available indoor practice facilities. when designing Indoor Sports Halls with to be addressed in addition to those listed. As the game seeks to complement a Long Cricket Provision, including; No single set of requirements are applicable Term Athlete Development (LTAD) pathway to all projects. A number of factors need to the access to facilities all year around for • Space - establish if Cricket is the be established and balanced. technical training is critical. primary sport • Netting - an essential component for This guidance note provides practical advice For its part Sport England fully supports the the safe practice of indoor cricket for clients and designers. ECB Whole Sport Plan and acts as a primary • Lighting - cricket requires specific consultant on design and sports facilities lighting levels within the education sector. Readers of this • Surface - some require modification for guidance should feel free to contact either Cricket organisation for further assistance. • Maintenance - an early awareness of maintenance regimes of components • Budget - must reflect the requirements of the primary sport throughout the life of the facility

The required length of hall (measured internally) is 33.62m.* The overall width is determined by the number of net bays and other factors specific to individual projects.

Sports Hall Length of Hall (internal) 33.62m Net Lane Width 3.6m per lane Safety Margin (surrounds) 1m minimum (variable) Height of Horizontal top net 5m (a clear minimum) Height to underside of loft net 4m minimum Bowlers run-up & delivery area length 16m (6m behind the bowling crease and 4m in front) Space behind stumps 1.5m Blinkers 7.72m from the back netting (5m in front of popping crease)

Roll-out Mats (if required) Batting ends length 11.22m (10m in front of popping crease) by 2m wide Bowling ends length 10m (6m behind bowling crease, 4m in front) by 2m wide

*Design note: ECB’s recommended optimum length is 33.62m. If the length of the sports hall is less than 33.62m ECB will accept any shortened length down to a minimum of 31.2m. Reductions in length may only be made and calculated from the run up end.

1m min. beyond side net NOTES 3.6m min 1. Use of alternative dimensions for the overall length of cricket halls is subject to 3.6m min agreement by the ECB on a project by project basis.

1m min. beyond 3.5m Lofted drive nets side net 2. Margins are to be at least 1m from adjacent walls up to a height of approximately 2m. Above this height

Approx 3/4 margins are to be not less than 0.5m length of hall to reduce the risk of balls striking equipment such as basketball goal

BOWLER’S see note 2 hoops. It should be noted that where END equipment is fixed to walls margins are likely to exceed 1m at ground 10m 4m min level. Consideration should be given to equipment selection as suppliers typically 7.7m to 2m 9.2m min. clear may be able to offer items that fold depending on sports played or retract towards the wall. Margins see note 2 5m min. are also determined by circulation / escape requirements. Designers should 1800 33.62m 20.12m 31.62m min BATSMAN’S liaise with Building Control / Aprroved END Inspectors and Fire Officers at an early stage.

1.5m 7.72m min see note 2

Hall Width Calculator A Practice basketball goals project varying distances depending on whether they are fixed or hinged. When closed hinged models project approximately 0.9m (check with equipment manufacturer before finalising dimensions).

A B Recommended dimension of not less B than 0.5m to reduce the risk of balls striking equipment such as basketball C goal hoops and deflecting on to players. net trackways Where basketball goals are not present A+B must not be less than 1m. A+B C will also be determined by circulation / escape requirements. Designers should liaise with Building Control / Approved E D INspectors and Fire OFficers at an early stage.

C C Cricket bay widths 3.6m min. (4.0m elite).

C D Roof retractable basketball goals requires 3.4m. Wall hinged basketball goals B requires 2.0m (check with equipment A manufacturer before finalising dimensions).

E Total width of hall.

Use of Curved Tracks to Avoid Clashes Between Nets and Doors / Viewing Windows / Sports Equipment etc.

1.3m min. for nets between A and wall

Tracks A - Do not need any curves. A crossover crossover Tracks B - Require curves to avoid the B sideways hinged matchplay crossover crossover sideways basketball goals. hinged Curves are not required if roof B matchplay crossover crossover retractable goals are installed. basketball goal Tracks C - Require curves to avoid the C viewing window. crossover crossover Tracks D - Require curves to avoid the crossover crossover C viewing window and doors. viewing window doors crossover crossover D

1.85m min. between wall and D for division net on U-shaped trackway

The net system used shall conform to the requirements indicated in this document and the latest edition of: - BS EN 1892 Gymnasium Equipment Part 2. Particular Requirements Section 2.11. Specification for practice and games netting and supporting tracking.

This section is divided into Performance The tracking holding the netting should not It is recommended that white polymer netting requirements, and Guidance. be damaged by cricket balls impacting it or be used for the roof netting and it be either players colliding with it. sewn or roof fitted with, 50 mm knot (knot to knot) or 40 mm knotless (weld to weld) Performance Guidance square mesh, with the leading edges taped for reinforcement. The structure of the net system nets, The individual net bay is separated from blinkers, screening, tracking and fittings the adjoining bays by tracked side netting If the roof net is fixed to the side net the should be able to withstand cricket balls extended from end to end. The most efficient side net cannot be drawn independently hitting the net and supporting structures method is independent overhead tracks, and whilst this style of arrangement may be when subjected to normal use. Balls should which allows nets to be drawn independently appropriate if the tracking has to be to be not pass under, over, through or between the and which allows for flexible usage. fitted to the roof joists well above the normal nets, screening etc. Horizontal nets should height requirements for roof netting it should be attached to vertical nets and balls should It is recommended that nets be suspended otherwise be avoided. not pass between them. Balls should not from a heavy-duty aluminium tracking become entrapped in the net system during and trolley system which conforms to BS The side netting should be long enough for normal use. EN 1892. This type of system requires an at least 0.3m and no more than 0.5m of independent overhead net, below which the slack/drape to rest on the floor. This creates The netting should withstand balls impacting tracking system is fixed; there should be added weight and prevents the net from it, and players running into it. no space between the roof netting and the billowing out when struck by the ball (a tracking system through which a ball can billow of no more than 1.3 metres should be Components should be UV resistant and not pass into adjacent nets. achieved when in service) otherwise it will degrade or weaken as a result of exposure interfere with activities in adjacent nets and to sunlight. walkways forming a potential trip hazard.

It is recommended that 50 mm knotted or 40 A blinker similar system is recommended for mm knotless white polymer netting mesh be the back netting behind the bowler to create used. a good visual background and to reduce the risk of injury from balls being driven down the All sports hall netting, canvas, storage net bay. pouches, etc should be made of fire retardant material in accordance with BS It is recommended that the bowling end 5867 Part 2. blinker be 3m high either as a Velcro attachment or sewn in to the netting. The netting shall not be hung too taut to prevent balls rebounding dangerously.

Blinkers should be fitted to all practice nets. (Either heavy white canvas or polymer). They should be suspended on lanyard cords threaded through the net (not fixed to the net as this will, overtime create sag) both side and rear nets around the batsman/wicket keeper. It is recommended that the blinkers extend 5m in front of the batsman 7.72m from the rear net, and to a height of at least 1.8m.

All the definitions are not included in this document but may be found in other documents associated with cricket and British Standards.

Net System: a net system is a single unit Drape: netting has a tendency to produce a from a performance point view. curtain effect when suspended from tracking or a tension wire. Net Bulge (net billowing): the extent to which the nets move horizontally from the Meshes: a collection of apertures between vertical when an object hits it. the cords making up the net.

Lacing Nets: the fastening of nets to each Net Stretch: increase in size and length of other, to supporting frames or structures with fibres making up the netting. a lace threaded and wound through the nets. Fittings: cables and any other materials Ties: the fastening of nets to each other, to used to support the net system. supports, bars and other structures, with individual sections of cord, string, yarn etc. Screening: a solid curtain manufactured Net Aperture: the size of the mesh making from fibres. up the netting. Blinkers: term used for screening. Drag: the amount of netting which lies on the floor subsequent to the fixing of the netting Track: nets are attached to track by runners. unit to the overhead tracking. This allows the nets to be drawn along the track. Selvedge: a continuous cord attached to the periphery of the net. Fixings: brackets, bolts, ties, etc that hold the net system together.

To ensure surfaces with the playing and durability characteristics required by cricket are installed the ECB has developed a Performance Standard for Indoor Cricket Surfaces. It is based on BS EN 14904 Surfaces for sports areas - Indoor surfaces for multi-sports use - Specification, but includes properties specifically required by the game of cricket.

A cricket surface is a combination of Figure 1 - areas of surface forming the the synthetic surfacing, together with its playing area (colours and hatching for supporting layers (sub-structures) and the illustration only) playing performance will be influenced by both. Before making a choice of surface, it is recommended you obtain test results Synthetic surrounds Net showing compliance with the ECB Standard and detailing the performance of various products under consideration. Left: The marking demonstrate the position of the batting crease, see markings under 03 A cricket surface comprises two principal Key Dimensions & Requirements. playing areas, a batting end and a bowling end. These are located within synthetic surrounds. The batting area measures a minimum of 10m in length in front of the Batting end Bowler’s run-up Markings shall be accordance with the Rules popping crease with 1.22 metres between of the Game and any special requirements the stumps and the popping crease and for coaching, training etc. a minimum of 1.5m behind the wicket The surfacing laid in a multi-sport hall in (stumps). The Bowling end is an area which cricket is played may be continuous measuring a minimum of 4m in length in sports floor that has the required playing front of the bowler’s crease and a minimum characteristics or roll out mats that, in 6m behind the bowler’s crease on which conjunction with the sports hall floor on the bowler runs and delivers the ball. The which it is laid, provide a suitable surface for synthetic surrounds are located around and cricket activities – it is important to note that between the batting and bowing ends. a roll out mat found to be suitable on one

type of sports hall will not necessarily provide In the interests of safety roll out mats should Compliance testing after the floor is installed satisfactory performance on a different type be fixed to the floor when in use with double should be undertaken to ensure the correct of sports hall floor. sided adhesive tape or an alternative material qualities are achieved. In an increasingly or method, unless they are heavy enough to litigious world, on-site testing and In dedicated cricket halls specialist cricket prevent slip or movement on the sports hall compliance with standards might by used surfaces may be used that have different floor. in personal injury claims and compliance underlay constructions for the batting and with ECB guidelines should be regarded as bowling areas. The surface should allow Mat options for sports halls where cricket the minimum requirement to defend such a repair without significant effect on its playing activities are to take place but the sports claim. characteristics. floor is unsuitable without some form of additional matting are detailed below. Operation and Maintenance Guidance: The flooring may be a combination of polymer sheeting or carpet, laid on a • Roll out matting for batting ends (with Net Systems and Playing Surface. concrete or bitumen macadam base. crease markings) By incorporating an under-layer the • Roll out matting for bowling ends with The supplier/installer of the playing surface characteristics of the surface can be varied. crease markings. and netting systems shall provide details • Additional spin mats if appropriate. of the operation and maintenance of the If roll out mats are to be used they should • Roll out match pitch 30 metres x 2 system. be firm with no significant cushioning, metres. (This facility is dependent on the otherwise a combination of the sub-surface overall size of the hall). and mat may seriously affect the way the ball behaviours. If in doubt it is worth seeking The supplier of the flooring system shall specialist advice. indicate and supply the materials to make the floor suitable for cricket.

• Removal of dirt to prevent a build-up Guidance should include how the system is Surface: used and the activities required to maintain it in good working order for the life of the • Cleaning installation. It should include: - • Marking • Removal of debris Netting: • Application of colour coats (when required) • Maintaining the nets at the appropriate • Replacement sections (when required) level of tension. • Keeping them clean and free from dust Any other maintenance work required to • Repairing damaged netting keep the facility operational at all times. • Preventing nets from becoming slack • Preventing nets from sagging The desired frequency of operations should be indicated so that they form part of a Tracking, cables, fixings, fittings: regular maintenance schedule the user can refer to in order to manage and monitor Maintaining the tracking, and if applicable the extent of the work required and make cables, including: - available the resources to do the work.

• Lubrication all movable parts • Cleaning

07 Internal Finishes (Colours) Refer to current Sport England guidelines.

08 Flooring Refer to Performance Standard for Indoor Cricket Surfaces. See page 22

Most multi purpose sports hall often require Heating System Controls little heating and benefit from a system with a fast response time. There are two options For both heating options, heating will be available controlled by presence detectors and thermostat and ventilation by air quality Gas fired radiant with 2 branches with supply and extract fans in the end walls Heating Design Parameters

Or • Design Room temperature = 16 deg C • Specialist Cricket Schools = 16 deg C Ducted warm air delivering heated air to 20 deg C through Air Handling Units (AHU) which • Sport England ‘Optimum Sports hall’ = should be indirect gas fired to reduce boiler 12 deg C to 20 deg C capacity. Ideally this heating system should 100% recirculation with ventilation provided by other means

High ventilation rates will be needed for a A properly designed multi-purpose sports hall, but heating large quantities of sports hall, which meets the ventilation outside air is energy intensive. Consequently, requirements for other sports (basketball, the strategy should seek to decouple the badminton etc), should be adequate for heating and the ventilation so that the cricket practice without further modification. spaces may be maintained at comfortable temperatures ready for use, with ventilation Ventilation Design Parameters: linked to occupancy. If ventilation rates are Design ventilation rate 1.5 Air changes per coupled to air quality control, then fresh air is hour (ACHR) provided only at the required rate, saving fan power and heating energy.

Low levels of fresh air can be provided passively through motorised dampers at high level, while additional ventilation could be provided by fans at high level which also provide large volumes of fresh air in summer to cool the space.

Indoor cricket schools should be illuminated using natural daylight. However, such an approach does require careful shading design to ensure that direct sunlight is excluded from the playing area at all times.

Sports halls with rooflights and glazing Wall Reflectance Lighting Design Parameters located in end walls may need suitable blinds/shades installed to exclude sunlight For cricket practice, light wall colours are These are the lighting levels, measured at from the playing area – particularly low preferred. Ideally, a reflectance of 0.7 should pitch level, required over the practice net/ sun at particular times of the day and year. be achieved with white painted walls, soffit/ playing area (Wicket and run up): Consequently, the design of the shading for ceiling so as to provide adequate contrast cricket practice will need to be assessed on with and improved visibility of the ball. • Low-level Club/Local Club a case by case basis. Design illumination: 750 lux average Some multi-purpose sports halls may be Design uniformity: min/ave = 0.8 Artificial Lighting finished in other, darker, colours and it may be necessary to use a different coloured ball. • Mid-Level Competition. In multi-purpose sports halls lighting Darker wall and ceiling colours also have a Regional/Club level should use fluorescent light fittings with lower reflectance than lighter colours which Design illumination: 1000 lux average multiple lamps, which reduces glare and must be taken into account when designing Design uniformity: min/ave = 0.8 maintains uniformity at different illumination the cricket practice area lighting. levels. The required light level should be • Top-Level Competition. provided by lines of fluorescent light fittings International/National level running alongside each wicket and fixed Design illumination: 1500 lux average to the structure. Some assessment and Design uniformity: min/ave = 0.8 coordination of the locations of the existing sports hall lighting, heating system (e.g. radiant tubes etc), net tracks and the wicket will be necessary. Consequently, the design of the lighting for cricket practice will need to be assessed on a case by case basis.

Mechanical & Electrical Consideration

Consideration must be given to space Area for M & E required for the safe installation,operation and maintenance of mechanical and Distance to plant and equipment electrical plant and equipment, and nets. will vary. Consult with netting Specialist advice should always be sought prior to fixing overall dimensions, in particular typically 7.7m to 9.2m specialists and mechanical and electrical consultants. with regard to distances between radiant gas min. clear depending heaters and net systems. on sports played

SECTION THROUGH NET LANES

ECB advises that players with many different practice by players using wheelchairs. There types of impairments enjoy the game on a is no need for any specific design alteration

regular basis. Players who use a wheelchair to accommodate wheelchair players. are just as likely to use indoor facilities in the same way that a mainstream cricketer would do so. Matches will be played using the full hall and net lanes will also be used for

13 Lifts ECB guide to refer to current Sport England guidelines.

14 Lockers Cricketers require space to store personal cricket equipment (usually ‘soft bags) and valuable outside the changing rooms. Ideally this should be within, or adjacent, to the main hall and within sight of the players/ coaches. Refer to Sport England guides for lockers.

Storage of cricket specific equipment (Mats, bowling machines and floor cleaners etc) will be required separately.

16 Spectator Seating / social areas ECB guide to note that spectators should be outside of the playing hall, ideally be behind the bowlers arm and at an elevated level to assist viewing. Spectators must be protected from ball impact

17 Reception areas ECB to refer to Sport England guidance. Note to be added that sufficient space is needed for 35 players with parents on hourly rotations outside of the practice area.

ecb.co.uk

This Standard describes the requirements for synthetic surfaces designed for indoor cricket. It is based on BS EN 14904 Surfaces for sports areas — Indoor surfaces for multi-sports use — Specification, but includes properties specifically required by the game of cricket.

The Standard covers three types of sports hall flooring systems: (1) This Standard only addresses the needs of the game of cricket. The suitability of a floor meeting this standard for other sports needs • sports hall flooring designed to be laid as a continuous system to be determined by the organisation proposing to install the floor. throughout a sports hall allowing a range of sports, including cricket, to be played(1). Continuous systems are required to satisfy the (2) A roll out mat found to be suitable on one type of sports hall will not performance requirements of batting and bowling ends; necessarily provide satisfactory performance on a different type of sports hall floor. • specialist cricket surfaces used in dedicated cricket halls with different underlay constructions for the batting and bowling areas. Each section of the surfacing shall satisfy the relevant performance requirements for ends on which it is intended to be laid;

• roll out mats that, in conjunction with the sports hall floor on which they are laid, are designed to provide a suitable surface for cricket training activities. In such cases the ball/surface and player/surface interaction of the mat shall be assessed in conjunction with the floor on which it is designed to be laid (2). The batting ends of mats are required to satisfy the performance requirements for batting ends and the bowling ends are required to satisfy the performance requirements for bowling ends.

Test methods from other publications are incorporates into this Standard by dated or undated reference. Where dated references are used, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications will apply to this Standard only when incorporated into it by amendment or revision. For undated references, the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.

03.1 Playing surface 03.5 Point-elastic sports floor

An area of synthetic surfacing, together with its supporting layers, that Sports floor, to which the application of a point force causes deflection is used for cricket. The area comprises two principal playing areas, only at or close to the point of application of the force. a batting end and a bowling end. These are located within synthetic surrounds. 03.6 Area-elastic sports floor

03.2 Batting end Sports floor, to which the application of a point force causes deflection over a relatively large area around the point of application of the force An area measuring a minimum of 10m in length in front of the popping crease and a minimum of 1.5m behind the wicket (stumps) on which the 03.7 Combined-elastic sports floor batsman stands and the ball pitches when bowled. Area-elastic sports floor with a point-elastic top layer, to which the 03.3 Bowling end application of a point force causes both localised deflection and deflection over a wider area An area measuring a minimum of 4m in length in front of the bowler’s crease and a minimum 6m behind the bowler’s crease on which the 03.8 Mixed-elastic sports floor bowler runs and delivers the ball. Point-elastic sports floor with a synthetic area-stiffening component 03.4 Synthetic surrounds

The areas located around and between the batting and bowing ends.

Synthetic surrounds Net

Batting end Bowler’s run-up Figure 1 - areas of surface forming the playing area (colours and hatching for illustration only)

Surfaces are classified by their intended use and performance characteristics and not by materials or construction. There are two principal categories:

1. Club and Educational

2. First Class Cricket & Centres of Excellence

Both of which may be used for practice, coaching and general training.

05.1 Ball / surface interaction All test positions shall fall within the specified range. The maximum individual result at any test position shall be no more than 1.5 times the 05.1.1 Ball rebound minimum individual result at the test position.

Ball rebound shall be measured from a drop height of 2000mm + 10mm The overall mean for all test positions shall be calculated. The variation in general accordance with BS EN 12235 using a cricket ball complying from the overall mean of any test position shall be no greater than + with BS 5993 and having a rebound on a rigid concrete floor of 50mm of the overall mean. 640mm + 30mm. The rebound shall be expressed as the absolute rebound in mm. 05.1.2 Surface pace

For area-elastic and combined-elastic sports surfaces, the test piece The pace of some forms of indoor sports hall flooring may be considered shall be a sample of the complete system measuring 3.5 m by 3.5 too fast for indoor cricket. At present there is no suitable test for m, assembled in accordance manufacturer’s stated method, with the assessing the pace of a cricket surface so limits of acceptability cannot manufacturer’s requirements. For point-elastic and mixed-elastic sports be set. The ECB wish to rectify this and has commissioned research surfaces, the test piece shall be a piece of the surface of minimum size to develop a test and establish limits of acceptability based on natural 1.0 m by 1.0 m, in combination with the supporting layers to be used grass cricket pitches. It is hoped this work will be completed by the end in service and using the method of attachment in accordance with the of 2008, at which point this standard will be updated. In the mean time manufacturer’s instructions. facility operators are advised to seek specialist guidance on whether the pace of indoor surfaces they are considering is suitable for their intended Note: a Reader Grade 1 County Ball has been found to satisfy these requirements. needs.

The ball rebound of batting ends shall satisfy the requirements of Table 1. 05.1.3 Surface hardness – batting ends

Table 1 - Ball rebound requirements When tested by the method described in Appendix B the mean Clegg Impact Value (in g) for each test position on a batting end shall be greater Club / Educational Centre of Excellence & First Class Cricket than 100 gravities. 240mm – 520mm 320mm – 560mm Installed surfaces shall be tested in the positions shown in Appendix A.

Installed surfaces shall be tested in the positions shown in Appendix A. Laboratory tests shall be made in similar positions proportioned to suit the test piece size.

05.2 Player surface interaction

05.2.1 Shock absorption – bowler’s run-up

When tested by the method described in BS EN 14808 the Force Reduction of bowling ends shall be between 25% and 55%. Installed surfaces shall be tested in the positions shown in Appendix A. No individual result shall differ from the mean of all the test areas by more than ± 5 units.

05.2.2 Vertical deformation – batting end, bowler’s run-up and synthetic surrounds

When tested by the method described in BS EN 14809, the vertical deformation of batting and bowling ends shall not exceed 3.5mm.

05.2.3 Friction – batting ends, bowler’s run-ups and synthetic surrounds

When tested by the method described in BS EN 13036-4 using the CEN rubber under dry conditions, the mean result shall be between 80 and 110.

When different forms of surfacing are used for the batting or bowling ends and synthetic surrounds the maximum difference between the slip resistance of two surfaces shall be four units.

06.1 Resistance to wear 06.5 Specular gloss

When tested by the method described in BS EN ISO 5470-1, using When tested by the method described in ISO EN 2813 using an H18 wheels with a 1 kg load, the maximum loss in mass per 1 000 angle of incidence of 85°, the specular gloss shall be ≤ 30 for matt cycles of synthetic surfaces shall be 1 000 mg. surfaces and ≤ 45 for lacquered surfaces.

When tested by the method described in BS EN 13672 the percent- 06.6 Reaction to fire age mass loss after 2000 cycles of synthetic turf and textile surfaces shall be equal to or less than 5%. If a claim for reaction to fire performance is made, the sports surface shall be tested and classified using the procedures specified in BS 06.2 Resistance to a rolling load – continuous surfaces only EN 14904.

When tested by the method described in BS EN 1569, the minimum If it is decided to make no claim for reaction to fire performance, i.e. resistance of continuous surfaces shall be 1500 N, the maximum it is decided to place a product on the market as Class Ffl, no testing indentation shall be 0.5 mm under a 300 mm straight edge and no is required. perceivable damage shall be observed after the test. 06.7 Formaldehyde emission NOTE This property is important to ensure that continuous surfaces laid throughout a sports hall will not be damaged by equipment or seating that might be moved around on it. When formaldehyde-containing materials have been added to the surface as a part of the production process, the product shall be 06.3 Resistance to indentation tested and classified into one of two classes: E1 or E2, as specified in BS EN 14904. When tested by the method described in BS EN 1516, the mean residual indentation measured 5 min. after removal of the load shall 06.8 Content of pentachlorophenol be reported and the mean residual indentation measured 24 h after removal of the load shall be 0.5 mm. For area-elastic sports floors ≤ The surfacing shall not contain pentachlorophenol or a derivative the test shall be made on the upper layer supported on a rigid struc- thereof as a component in the production process of the product or ture only. of its raw materials. In cases where verification is required the procedures described in BS EN 14904 shall be used.

07.1 Surface regularity – batting ends, bowler’s run-ups and synthetic surrounds

When tested by the method described in BS EN 13036-7 the maximum undulation shall not exceed 2 mm under 0.3 m straight edge and 6 mm under a 3 m straight edge.

07.2 Slope – batting ends, bowler’s run-ups and synthetic surrounds

Indoor cricket surfaces shall be installed flat.

08 Test Conditions

Laboratory tests shall be made at an ambient laboratory temperature of 23 ± 2ºC.

Test specimens shall be conditioned for a minimum of 3 hours at the laboratory temperature prior to test.

Tests on an installed floor shall be made when the ambient temperature of the sports hall is in the range 12°C to 25°C.

09 Test Laboratories

Tests for ECB approval shall only be made by ECB approved test laboratories.

Tests shall be carried out in the positions detailed below or in the case of a dispute in the area of concern.

Property Test location Ball rebound Five individual tests across the playing area in each test segment a to e as shown on Figure 1 Surface hardness Segments a to e as shown on Figure 1 (pitch of the ball area) Slip resistance Segments a, c and e as shown in Figure 1 and positions 1, 3 and 5 as shown in Figure 2 Shock absorption Each position shown in Figure 2. Deformation Segments a, c and e as shown in Figure 1 and positions and 1, 3 and 5 as shown in Figure 2

The surface regularity of the playing surface and surrounds shall be measured over the entire area; both along the length and across the width. The position and magnitude of any undulations found that exceed the specified maximums shall be recorded and detailed in the test report.

a b c d e

1 0.6m 2

4 1m 5

1 Principle

A cylindrical mass is released from a standard height and its peak deceleration during impact with the surface is recorded.

2 Apparatus

A Clegg Impact Soil Tester shall be used. The apparatus consists of a cylindrical compaction hammer with a mass of 2.25kg and a diam- eter of 50mm attached to a piezoelectric accelerometer which feeds into a peak level digital meter. The peak deceleration of the hammer on impact with the ground shall be displayed in units of gravities.

3 Procedure

Ensure that the guide tube is held vertically and drop the compaction hammer down the tube from a height of 450+10mm. After the impact of the hammer on the surface record the peak deceleration in units of gravities.

Repeat the procedure fives times in each test position moving the guide tube by at least 100mm so that the compaction hammer does not impact with the surface on the same spot twice.

4 Expression of Results

Calculate the mean hardness value of the five individual impacts for each test position.